Business continuity

The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 Section 4(1) and Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (Contingency Planning) Regulations 2005 Part 7 requires local authorities to provide advice and assistance to those undertaking commercial activities and to voluntary organisations in relation to business continuity management (BCM) in the event of emergencies (as defined by the Act).

What is Business Continuity Management (BCM)?

Business Continuity Management is a pre-planned process that ensures that businesses and service providers are able to survive and recover from unexpected & disruptive events affecting their daily operations. Major incidents, high levels of staff absenteeism (whatever the cause) and utility failures e.g., electricity, gas and water will test an organisation's ability to manage its business.

It provides the strategic framework for improving an organisation's resilience to interruption. Its purpose is to facilitate the recovery of key business systems and processes within agreed time frames.

It is an ongoing process that helps organisations anticipate, prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from disruptions, whatever their source and whatever aspect of the business they affect.

The inability to respond to such events can have a catastrophic effect on any business. According to the National Audit Office, 80% of businesses affected by a serious incident either never reopen or cease trading within 18 months; this highlights the necessity for Business Continuity Management & Planning. (BCM & BCP)

What is involved in Business Continuity Planning?There are six stages in the BCM cycle which include: understanding your business, BCM strategies, developing a BCM response, embedding the culture, followed by exercising, maintaining and auditing.